System for seamless and secure networking of implantable medical devices, electronic patch devices and wearable devices

ABSTRACT

A system level scheme for networking of implantable devices, electronic patch devices/sensors coupled to the body, and wearable sensors/devices with cellular telephone/mobile devices, peripheral devices and remote servers is described.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of the co-pendingapplication entitled, Configurable Interfaces for AuthenticatedCommunication, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/878,666 filed Jun.28, 2004; wherein said application Ser. No. 10/878,666 is a continuationin part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/281,739 filed Jun. 4,1999 which is a continuation in part application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/764,903 filed Dec. 16, 1999. The presentapplication incorporates said issued US patents and patent applicationscited herein by reference.

ABBREVIATIONS

Cellular Telephone is abbreviated as CT.

Mobile Device is abbreviated as MD.

Mobile Health Appliance is abbreviated as MHA.

Intelligent Personal Health Management Appliance is abbreviated asIPHMA.

Personal Health Management is abbreviated as PHM.

Implantable Device is abbreviated as ID.

Electro-Physiological/Electronic Patch device is abbreviated as EPwherein said device is configured for attachment/coupling to the body.

Wearable Device is abbreviated as WD wherein said device is configuredfor carriage on the body including in garments/clothing and variousother forms of carriage.

The electro-physiological device/electronic patch device/biologicalsensor device are referred to as EP device for convenience.

The terms Electro-Physiological Device/Electronic PatchDevice/Biological Sensor include devices that sense, measure, monitor,control and manage various types of human/animal biological and bodilyparameters in one or more forms and functions.

BACKGROUND

The present application additionally cross references and incorporatesby reference related co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/001,668 filed Nov. 30, 2004 which is a continuation in part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/680,611 filed Oct. 6, 2000 which itselfwas a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/281,739 filed Jun. 6, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,169,789.

The present application further cross references and incorporates byreference the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/018,862 filed Dec. 19,2004 which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/001,668 filed Nov. 30, 2004.

The present application additionally cross references and incorporatesby reference the co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/677,954filed Oct. 2, 2000 and its co-pending continuation applications.

In the cross referenced applications, Rao et al., the common inventor ofthe present disclosure, teaches a system level scheme and method for thenetworking of various types of devices including mobile devices havingcapability for communication, command and control of voice and datainformation and the networking of intelligent appliances, peripheraldevices and sensors with a central server/network server comprising saidwired or wireless network.

Additionally, Rao et al., in the cross referenced applications, teachthe unique identification of said devices and the encryption/decryptionof communications for secure and intended access to a selected deviceforming a communication network. Further Rao et al teach thecommunication of information over a plurality of communication channelswherein said communication channels may be configured for one or morecommunication protocols/methods including the multiplexing of a selectedcommunication channel from a first communication to a secondcommunication protocol/method. Rao et al further teach the featurewherein a mobile device may be configured with a web server capabilityto perform the additional functions of a server.

Further, Rao et al., in the cross referenced applications, teach novelmethods for utilizing the mobile device for tracking and managing healthinformation including gastronomic information, physical activity andother parameters. Additionally, Rao et al in cross referencedapplications teach the use of novel electronic patch device/activatedelectronic patch device/drug delivery device/pain management device andbiological sensors that are configured for affixing/coupling to the bodyand carriage on the body including a number of novel personal healthmanagement appliances.

There is a need for systems and methods for the wired and wirelessnetworking of medical devices ranging from implantable medical devices,electronic patch devices that are configured for directlyaffixing/coupling to the body and wearable devices that are configuredfor carriage on the body. Additionally there is a need for devices thatmay be used for identification and authentication of the person and forcontrolling the access to one or more devices and one or more networkscomprising of said devices.

The prior art of record does not teach the means for real timenetworking among a plurality of implantable medical devices implantedand present within the body. Consequently, there is a need for wired andwireless networking of one or more implanted medical devices within thebody; and further a need for system and methods for connecting one ormore of said implanted devices and the implantable device network to oneor more networks external to the body. In addition there is a need foran implantable device for performing the functions of a server andalternately the configuration of at least one implantable medical deviceconfigured for performing the additional functions of a server.

The prior art of record further does not teach the means for real timenetworking among a plurality of electronic patch devices and other typesof electro-physiological/biological sensors that are affixed/coupleddirectly to the body. Consequently, there is a need for the wired andwireless networking of electronic patch devices and other types ofelectro-physiological/biological sensors that are affixed/coupled to thebody; and further there is a need for systems and methods for connectingone or more of said electronic patch devices and other types ofelectro-physiological/biological sensors and the connection of thenetwork forming said devices to one or more networks that are locatedinternal to the body, affixed/coupled to the body and externally remoteto the body. In addition there is a need for the novel use of anelectronic patch device/biological sensor device for performing thefunctions of a server and alternately the configuration wherein at leastone electronic patch device/biological sensor device is configured forperforming the additional functions of a server.

The prior art of record further does not teach the means for real timenetworking among a plurality of wearable devices and other types ofdevices that are configured for carriage on the body. Thus, there is aneed for wired and wireless networking of wearable devices and othertypes of devices that are configured for carriage on the body.Furthermore, there is a need for systems and methods for connecting oneor more of said devices and the connection of the network forming saiddevices to one or more networks that are located internal to the body,affixed/coupled to the body and externally remote to the body. Inaddition there is a need for wearable devices and other types of devicesthat are configured for carriage on the body for performing thefunctions of a server; and alternately the configuration wherein atleast one wearable devices and other types of devices that areconfigured for carriage on the body is configured for performing theadditional functions of a server.

The prior art does not teach the seamless and secure networking amongthe devices forming the three different networks described above andfurther does not teach the seamless and secure coupling of each of saidnetworks with each other to enable the utility of delivering novelhealth care applications for sensing, measuring, monitoring, managingand controlling the desired parameters affecting a person internal ofthe body, on the body and external of the body. There is a need forconfiguring the body with all three types of networks described above.As the number of implantable devices, electronic patch devices/othertypes of biological sensors that are affixed/coupled to the body and thewearable devices configured for carriage on the body proliferate, thereis a need for defining a system level architecture and methods forconfiguring the different types of networks and for seamlessly enablingcommunication between the various networks forming said lifeenhancing/supporting functions related to a person's health.Additionally, there is a need for uniquely identifying said devices andfor authenticating the communication between said devices; and also thepersons accessing said devices to ensure that spurious signals,accidental access or unauthorized access is precluded.

In the prior art various types of devices lacked the multi channelcommunication capability and also the capability of a single device toperform multiple functions such as measuring temperature, blood flow,blood oxygen level, heart pacing functions, measuring electro cardiogram, ECG signals and other functions. Consequently, there is a need formultifunction implantable devices, electro-physiological devices,electronic patch devices, biological sensors and wearable devices andthe system for networking said multifunction devices to dynamically forma plurality of networks for measuring, monitoring, managing,communication, command and control of a selected biological parameterand biological information at a selected time and in a selected manner.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Each patent, patent application, and/or publication mentioned in thisspecification is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to thesame extent as if each individual patent, patent application, and/orpublication was specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated by reference.

SUMMARY

The present invention teaches novel systems and methods for networkingof implantable devices, devices configured for electro-physiologicalinformation, biological sensors, devices configured affixing/coupling toa body and wearable devices for carriage on a body. The presentinvention additionally teaches the methods for the sensors and devicesto be configurable with at least one unique identification numberwhereby the devices and sensors may be accessed, communicated with andaddressed with specificity, security and safety in one or more networksformed by said devices and sensors. The system for addressing a deviceand or a sensor by a unique identification number is not taught in theprior art of record. Additionally, the device and/or the sensor may beconfigured with a unique device/sensor profile. The user may bedescribed and configured with a user profile comprising of userinformation including health information such that the userinformation/profiles and the device/sensor information/profiles may beused individually or in tandem with each other. These novel features arenot taught in the prior art of record. The various networks comprisingthe medical devices are configured for real time data acquisition, forcommunication of biological information, for archiving said data forcontemporaneous utility or for utility at a selected time, for analyzingsaid data, for determining trends, for communication of said data to oneor more health professionals and for comprehensive real time managementof the personal health of an individual in a cost effective manner inaccordance with the quality/cost objectives that are acceptable to theindividual and society.

The present invention teaches novel systems, methods and devices tosolve the above enumerated problems not addressed in the prior art.Various other important objectives of the present invention are alsoenumerated below. Other objectives may become apparent to thoseknowledgeable in the art and the invention is not to be construed aslimited to the specific objectives enumerated herein:

A. System level scheme for networking of implantable devices locatedwithin a human or mammalian body:

1. An objective of the present invention is the networking of one ormore implantable devices located within a body for communication,coordination, command and control of functions performed by saidimplantable devices.

2. An objective of the present invention is to identify an individualand an implantable device associated with said individual by a pluralityof means for secure and seamless networking.

3. Another objective is to uniquely identify the individual byspeech/voice recognition, photo, finger print and other biometricidentification methods to ensure that the health informationacquired/accessed from an implantable device is uniquely and securelyrelated to the specific individual in real time for safety and accuratepersonal health management.

4. Another objective of the present invention is to enable theindividual to set permission levels for access to the implantable deviceby means of a secure server such as an escrow server and other means.

5. Another objective of the present invention is to enable access to theimplantable device via one or more of the biometric authenticationmethods and one or more of the selected I/O methods.

6. Another objective of the present invention is to configure theimplantable devices and the network formed by said implantable devicesfor authenticated communication of information.

7. Another objective of the present invention is to enable seamless andsecure communication of information among one or more of the implantabledevices within an implant device network.

8. Another objective of the present invention is to enable seamless andsecure communication of information between one or more of theimplantable devices within an implant device network and one or more ofthe devices located external to the body and the external networks.

9. Another objective of the present invention is a multi-channelimplantable device configured for communication of information on one ormore input and out put channels.

10. Another objective of the present invention is a multi-channelimplantable device configured for communication of information on one ormore input and out put channels that are multiplexed.

11. Another objective of the present invention is a multi-functionimplantable device configured for communication of information on one ormore input and out put channels.

12. Another objective of the present invention is a multi-functionimplant device configured for communication of information on one ormore input and out put channels wherein the function, power level,frequency and other parameters of the device are configurable from afirst configuration to a different second configuration by softwareselection.

B. System level scheme for networking of devicesaffixed/attached/coupled to a human or mammalian body:

13. An objective of the present invention is the networking of one ormore devices electrophysiological/electronic patch/biological sensordevices coupled to a body to enable enhanced communication,coordination, command and control of functions performed by saiddevices.

14. An objective of the present invention is to identify an individualand a electrophysiological/electronic patch/biological sensor devicecoupled to said individual by a plurality of means for secure andseamless networking.

15. Another objective is to uniquely identify the individual byspeech/voice recognition, photo, finger print and other biometricidentification methods to ensure that the health informationacquired/accessed from a device coupled to the body is uniquely andsecurely related to the specific individual in real time for safety andaccurate personal health management.

16. Another objective of the present invention is to enable theindividual to set permission levels for access to theelectrophysiological/electronic patch/biological sensor device coupledto the body by means of a secure server such as an escrow server andother means.

17. Another objective of the present invention is to enable access tothe electrophysiological/electronic patch/biological sensor devicecoupled to the body via one or more of the biometric authenticationmethods and one or more of the selected I/O methods.

18. Another objective of the present invention is to configure theelectrophysiological/electronic patch/biological sensor device coupledto the body and the network formed by saidelectrophysiological/electronic patch/biological sensor devices coupledto the body for authenticated communication of information.

19. Another objective of the present invention is to enable seamless andsecure communication of information among one or more of theelectrophysiological/electronic patch/biological sensor device coupledto the body within a device network comprising of saidelectrophysiological/electronic patch/biological sensor device coupledand located on the body.

20. Another objective of the present invention is to enable seamless andsecure communication of information between one or more of theelectrophysiological/electronic patch/biological sensor device coupledto the body within a device network of electrophysiological/electronicpatch/biological sensor device coupled to the body; and one or more ofthe devices implanted within the body and the implant device network;and one or more of the devices located external to the body and theexternal networks.

21. Another objective of the present invention is a multi-channelelectrophysiological/electronic patch/biological sensor deviceconfigured for communication of information on one or more input and output channels.

22. Another objective of the present invention is a multi-channelelectrophysiological/electronic patch/biological sensor deviceconfigured for communication of information on one or more input and output channels that are multiplexed.

23. Another objective of the present invention is a multi-functionelectrophysiological/electronic patch/biological sensor deviceconfigured for communication of information on one or more input and output channels.

24. Another objective of the present invention is a multi-functionelectrophysiological/electronic patch/biological sensor deviceconfigured for communication of information on one or more input and output channels wherein the function, power level, frequency and otherparameters of the device are configurable from a first configuration toa different second configuration by software selection.

C. System level scheme for networking of wearable devices for carriageon a human or mammalian body:

25. An objective of the present invention is the networking of one ormore wearable devices for carriage on a body to enable enhancedcommunication, coordination, command and control of functions performedby said devices.

26. An objective of the present invention is to identify an individualand a wearable device carried by said individual by a plurality of meansfor secure and seamless networking.

27. Another objective is to uniquely identify the individual byspeech/voice recognition, photo, finger print and other biometricidentification methods to ensure that the health informationacquired/accessed from a wearable device is uniquely and securelyrelated to the specific individual in real time for safety and accuratepersonal health management.

28. Another objective of the present invention is to enable theindividual to set permission levels for access to a wearable device bymeans of a secure server such as an escrow server and other means.

29. Another objective of the present invention is to enable access to awearable device via one or more of the biometric authentication methodsand one or more of the selected I/O methods.

30. Another objective of the present invention is to configure thewearable device and the network formed by said wearable devices forauthenticated communication of information.

31. Another objective of the present invention is to enable seamless andsecure communication of information among one or more of the wearabledevices and the device network comprising of said wearable devices.

32. Another objective of the present invention is to enable seamless andsecure communication of information between one or more of the wearabledevices and a device network of wearable devices; and one or more of theelectrophysiological/electronic patch/biological sensor devices coupledto the body and the network formed by saidelectrophysiological/electronic patch/biological sensor devices coupledto the body; and one or more of the devices implanted within the bodyand the implant device network; and one or more of the devices locatedexternal to the body and the external networks.

33. Another objective of the present invention is to dynamicallyconfigure a selected functional network of devices by selecting one ormore devices across the implant device network, theelectrophysiological/electronic patch/biological sensor device network,the wearable device network and one or more of the external networkswherein the dynamically configured network of devices executes selectedfunctional tasks.

34. Another objective of the present invention is a multi-functionwearable device configured for communication of information on one ormore input and out put channels wherein the function, power level,frequency and other parameters of the device are configurable from afirst configuration to a different second configuration by softwareselection.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention:

FIG. 1 shows an internal view of a body of a person/mammal and anexternal view of a body of a person/mammal with one or more deviceslocated internal to the body, with one or more devices locatedon/affixed to/coupled to the body and one or more devices locatedexternal to the body wherein said devices form a plurality of wired andwireless networks for the acquisition, processing, computation, storageand communication of information; and further enable the command andcontrol of said individual devices and the plurality of networkscomprising of said devices.

FIG. 2 shows an internal view of a body of a person/mammal with one ormore implanted devices located internal to the body and the firstimplanted device network formed by said implanted devices. FIG. 2 alsoshows an external view of a body of a person/mammal with one or moreelectronic patch/electro-physiological/biological sensor devices locatedon/affixed to/coupled to the body and the second network formed by saiddevices that are coupled to the body. FIG. 2 further shows theconnectivity of said first network and the second network to one or moreexternal networks including a home network, a local area network, LAN, awide area network, WAN, an office network, a factory network, a healthcare network, a transportation network, a public access network and theInternet by wired or wireless communication means.

FIG. 3 shows an internal view of a body of a person/mammal with one ormore implanted devices located internal to the body and the firstimplanted device network formed by said implanted devices. FIG. 3 alsoshows an external view of a body of a person/mammal with one or moreelectronic patch/electro-physiological/biological sensor devices locatedon/affixed to/coupled to the body and the second network formed by saiddevices that are coupled to the body. FIG. 4 additionally shows anotherthird network formed by one or more wearable devices configured forcarriage on the body.

FIG. 3 further shows the connectivity of said first network, the secondnetwork and the third network to one or more external networks includinga home network, a local area network, LAN, a wide area network, WAN, anoffice network, a factory network, a health care network, atransportation network, a public access network and the Internet bywired or wireless communication means.

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative functional block diagram configuration ofan implantable device; an electronicpatch/electro-physiological/biological sensor device that may be locatedon, affixed to or coupled to the body; and a wearable device forcarriage on the body wherein the illustrated block diagram illustrationof these different devices is intended to show multiple input and outputchannels for one or more of wired and wireless communication. The blockdiagram configuration shown is for illustrative purposes and is notintended to be limiting in any way as to the presence of one or more ofthe functional block and the exclusion of one or more of the functionalblocks. As an example an antenna is not shown in the illustration butthose knowledgeable in the art would realize that for wirelesstransmission an antenna is intended.

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative functional block diagram configuration of amultifunction implantable device; a multifunction electronicpatch/electro-physiological/biological sensor device that may be locatedon, affixed to or coupled to the body; and a multifunction wearabledevice for carriage on the body wherein the illustrated block diagram ofthese different devices shows a plurality of functionalities 1 through Nfor use in conjunction with one or more input and output channels thatare configured for one or more of dedicated and multiplexed wired andwireless communication. The block diagram configuration shown is forillustrative purposes and is not intended to be limiting in any way asto the presence of one or more of the functional blocks and theexclusion of one or more of the functional blocks. As an example otherfunctions that are not illustrated may be included/excluded by thoseknowledgeable in the art for configuring a selected multifunction devicebased on the desired application needs.

FIG. 6 shows a matrix organization of the different types of definednetworks on the vertical, Y axis and different types of devices that areavailable within each of these defined networks on the horizontal Xaxis. The matrix organization is for illustrative purposes only and isintended to show that any number of devices may be selected from aselected network and coupled to one or more devices from one or moreother defined networks to dynamically configure to form a new/anothernetwork of devices spanning across these selected networks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with thepreferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intendedto limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, theinvention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications andequivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims.

The novel embodiments and teachings of the present invention will bemade clear in conjunction with the figures and the descriptions:

FIG. 1 shows a system level architecture for wired or wirelessnetworking of implantable devices located within the body, electronicpatch devices/biological sensors affixed/coupled to the surface of thebody and a plurality of devices located external to the body. The systemlevel architecture and the various wired and wireless networks formed bythe various devices are made clear by referring in detail to FIG. 1 andexamining the detailed description of the figure section by individualsection:

1. Communication paths of implant devices internal to and external ofthe body:

FIG. 1 shows an internal and external view of a body of an individual130.

FIG. 1 shows an internal view of the human body, 130 showing a number ofimplant devices, ID1, ID2, ID3, ID4, ID5, ID6, ID7 and ID8 located at aplurality of locations within the body. As an example ID2 may performthe functions of a heart pacemaker, ID6 may perform the functions of agastric pacemaker, ID5 may simply perform the functions of a server andID8 may perform the functions of an implantable radio frequencyidentification device, RFID that uniquely identifies the individual 130and stores selected information related to the individual 130. One ormore of the other implant devices may perform various assigned functionsand are shown for illustration purposes to indicate that a plurality ofimplant devices that may exist within the body to measure, monitor andcontrol the selected bodily function of the individual 130.

1.1 In one preferred embodiment, the communication path between a firstimplant device and a plurality of other implant devices is representedby 151 wherein the communication path 151 located internal to the bodyrepresents a wired or wireless communication path utilizing a selectedcommunication protocol best suited for secure communication between oneor more implant devices. As an example the communication path 151 may beoptimized and configured for minimizing power consumption and limitingcommunication interference with external devices. The communication path151 may similarly be optimized based on a number of otherconsiderations.

1.2 In one preferred embodiment, a wireless communication path betweenone or more of the implant devices and the outside world is representedby the wired or wireless communication path 155 wherein communicationpath 155 may utilize same or different communication protocols ascommunication path 151. As an example the communication path 155 may beoptimized and configured for minimizing power consumption and to ensuresecure communication with external devices. The communication path 155may similarly be optimized based on a number of other considerations.

1.3 In another preferred novel embodiment, one or more implant devicesmay be configured to communicate using communication path 151, with aselected implant device such as ID5 configured to perform the additionalfunction of a server wherein said server configured implant deviceenables the communication between one or more implant devices and one ormore devices/networks located external of the body via the communicationpath 155.

1.4 In another preferred novel embodiment a dedicated server device suchas ID5, may be implanted within the body to solely perform serverfunctions with the ability to control communication of informationthrough the implanted server device ID5 via an internal communicationpath 151 and an external communication path 155.

1.5 In another preferred embodiment a dedicated server device such asID5, may be implanted within the body to solely perform server functionswith the ability to control communication of information through theimplanted server device ID5 via an internal communication path 151 andone or more external communication paths 150, 155 and 140.

1.6 In another preferred embodiment an implant device such as ID1, ID2,ID3, ID4, ID6 and ID7 may be implanted within the body to perform one ormore medical device functions wherein one or more of these implantdevices may communicate via an internal communication path 151 and a oneor more external communication paths 150, 155 and 140. Communicationpath 140 may be connected to the local area network, LAN, wide areanetwork, WAN and the Internet.

1.6 In another preferred embodiment an implant device located internalto the body may communicate with a proximate mobile device such as acellular telephone/personal digital assistant/lap top computer, 190 andother stationary and mobile devices located external to the body via thewired or wireless communication path 155 utilizing a selectedcommunication protocol that optimizes the communication between theselected implant device and the selected external proximatecommunication device.

1.7 In another preferred embodiment an implant device, ID1, ID2, ID3,ID4, ID5, ID6, ID7 and ID8 located internal to the body may communicatewith one or more peripheral devices such as a local printer 160, a localTV/display 161, a local personal computer, PC 162, a local server 163,an intelligent personal health management appliance such as a portablecardiac function monitoring appliance, 170; another intelligent personalhealth management appliance 171; another intelligent personal healthmanagement appliance 172, a central server 180, an escrow server 181, anInternet server/global positioning server, GPS/a time keeping server 182and a remote facility/a health care facility/a doctors office 183; and alocal server 163, a local PC 162, a mobile device CT/MD/MHA 190configured with a display 192, an external port 191, an antenna 193 anda keyboard via one or more wired or wireless communication paths 140 and155 utilizing a selected communication protocol that optimizes thecommunication between the selected implant device and the selectedexternal peripheral device.

1.8 In another preferred embodiment an implant device, ID1, ID2, ID3,ID4, ID5, ID6, ID7 and ID8 located internal to the body may communicatewith one or more electronic patch devices/biological sensor devices, EPDdevices that are coupled to the body at one or more locations on thebody via the wired and wireless communication path 150. Thecommunication path 150 is optimized for proximate communication betweenone or more implant devices located internal of the body and one or moreof the EPD devices, EPD1, EPD2, EPD3, EPD4, EPD5, EPD6, EPD7 and EPD8coupled to the external surface of the body, 130. The communicationpaths 155 and 140 while useful for communication may not be best suitedfor the selected communication as these paths may be better configuredfor distant communication with devices that are not as proximate such asone or more of the remote devices, for example 170 and the Internet.

1.9 In another preferred embodiment an implant device ID1, ID2, ID3,ID4, ID5, ID6, ID7 and ID8 located internal to the body may communicatewith one or more mobile devices, 190 via the communication path 155wherein the communication path 155 is optimized for proximatecommunication using a selected communication protocol best suited forproximate communication. Alternately, an implant device ID1, ID2, ID3,ID4, ID5, ID6, ID7 and ID8 located internal to the body may communicatewith one or more mobile devices, 190 via the communication path 140wherein the communication path 140 is optimized for distantcommunication using a selected communication protocol best suited fordistant communication with peripheral devices and the Internet.Communication path 140 may be connected to the local area network, LAN,wide area network, WAN and the Internet, 184.

Referring once again to FIG. 1 and particularly the external view of abody of the individual 130:

2. Communication paths of electronic patch device/biological sensordevice, EPD devices coupled to the body:

2.1 In another preferred embodiment an electronic patchdevices/biological sensor devices, EPD device EPD1, EPD2, EPD3, EPD4,EPD5, EPD6, EPD7 and EPD8 coupled to the body may communicate with oneor more implant devices, ID1, ID2, ID3, ID4, ID5, ID6, ID7 and ID8located internal to the body via the wired and wireless communicationpath 150. The communication path 150 may be optimized for proximatecommunication between one or more of the EPD devices, EPD1, EPD2, EPD3,EPD4, EPD5, EPD6, EPD7 and EPD8 that are coupled to the external surfaceof the body and one or more of the implant devices, ID1, ID2, ID3, ID4,ID5, ID6, ID7 and ID8 located internal to the body. The communicationpaths 155 and 140 while useful for communication may not be best suitedfor the selected communication as these communicationpaths/communication protocols are better configured for distantcommunication with devices that are not as proximate.

2.2 In another preferred embodiment an electronic patchdevices/biological sensor devices, EPD device EPD1, EPD2, EPD3, EPD4,EPD5, EPD6, EPD7 and EPD8 coupled to the body may communicate with oneor more peripheral devices such as a local printer 160, a localTV/display 161, a local personal computer, PC 162, a local server 163,an intelligent personal health management appliance such as a portablecardiac function monitoring appliance, 170; another intelligent personalhealth management appliance 171; another intelligent personal healthmanagement appliance 172, a central server 180, an escrow server 181, anInternet server/global positioning server, GPS/a time keeping server 182and a remote facility/a health care facility/a doctors office 183; andanother server/PC/MD/display/printer located remotely via one or morewired or wireless communication paths 140 and 155 utilizing a selectedcommunication protocol that optimizes the communication between theselected EPD device and the selected external peripheral device.

2.3 In another preferred embodiment an electronic patchdevices/biological sensor devices, EPD device EPD1, EPD2, EPD3, EPD4,EPD5, EPD6, EPD7 and EPD8 coupled to the body may communicate with oneor more mobile devices, 190 via the communication path 155 wherein thecommunication path 155 is optimized for proximate communication using aselected communication protocol best suited for proximate communication.Alternately, EPD device EPD1, EPD2, EPD3, EPD4, EPD5, EPD6, EPD7 andEPD8 coupled to the body may communicate with one or more mobiledevices, 190 via the communication path 140 wherein the communicationpath 140 is optimized for distant communication using a selectedcommunication protocol best suited for distant communication withperipheral devices and the Internet, 184. Communication path 140 may beconnected to the local area network, LAN, wide area network, WAN and theInternet, 184.

The invention is further illustrated by the following examples inconjunction with the FIG. 1 and the description:

Implanted medical devices generally are designed to operate at low powerin order to conserve battery power and extend the battery life for manyyears. The replacement of the device/battery is not easily possiblesince in order to access an implanted device invasive surgicalprocedures are required. The implant devices are also designed toperform a single function or at best limited and related functions.Range of wireless communication and the communication protocols used areinfluenced to a large extent by various parameters such as power and thefrequency band used for a selected communication. In addition allfrequency bands are not either approved or available for communicationdue to interference and safety considerations. Consequently,communication between an implanted medical device and an external devicelocated in proximity is desirable as such communication may beaccomplished with low power and an approved frequency band thatminimizes interference. The present invention teaches novel techniquesfor communication among implanted medical devices and one or moreelectronic patch devices/biological sensors that are coupled to theexternal surface of the body.

EXAMPLE 1

EPD device performing one or more functions of a communication bridgeand a gate keeping function to ensure safe, secure and authorized accessto an implanted medical device from an external device/network:

The use of hand held devices that perform telemetry functions andcommunicate with implanted medical devices is known in the prior art.Generally these telemetry devices are used by the trained health careprofessional/physician to non invasively acquire diagnostic informationand to program an implanted medical device. However, the telemetrydevices are used in an ad hoc manner and generally they do not providecontinuous information.

In the present invention an EPD device, for example EPD1 isattached/coupled externally to the surface of the body on the chest in alocation proximate to for example an implanted heart pacemaker,illustrated by ID1 located in the pectoral cavity. EPD1 is configured tocommunicate with the implanted device ID1 using a first communicationprotocol. The communication protocol may use a first power level and afirst frequency band for communication. The EPD1 device is easilyreplaceable and may not have the same battery life consideration as theimplanted device ID1. Consequently EPD1 is configured for eitherperiodic or continuous communication with one or more implanted devices,such as ID1 using wireless communication path 150 and the communicationprotocols associated uniquely with the communication path 150. EPD1 mayalso be configured for either periodic or continuous communication, withone or more and other peripheral devices that are not proximatelylocated in or on the body, for example a remote server 180/a proximatemobile device CT/MD/MHA 190 using one or more communication paths 150,155 and 140.

Utilizing the above illustrated communication system/architecture, theimplanted heart pace maker, ID1 may be polled periodically orcontinuously by configuring/instructing the EPD1 device by softwareprogramming means. The program instructions may be maintained within thememory of the EPD1 device. Alternately the program information may becommunicated to the EPD1 device from a proximate device such as aCT/MD/MHA 190 carried by the patient/individual 130. The programinstructions may be communicated from a remote device local PC, 163, aremote server 180 and by a doctor using another mobile device at aremote facility 183 using one or more communication paths directly tothe EPD1 device or indirectly to the EPD1 device via the CT/MD/MHA 190.The present invention therefore additionally teaches a novel method forcontinuous telemetry of implanted devices via one or more of aelectronic patch device EPD1 or a mobile device CT/MD/MHA 190.

The present invention further enables an implant device, example ID1 tobe configured to perform the functions of a server in an implant devicenetwork, an electronic patch device example EPD1 to be configured toperform the functions of a server in an electronic patch device networkand a mobile device CT/MD/MHA 190 to perform the functions of a server.

There is a need for implanting one or more devices within a body tomeasure, monitor and control various organ/body functions. The use ofimplantable heart pace makers, gastric devices, defibrillators and otherdevices is known. However, the devices are implanted for a specificpurpose and generally operate in a standalone manner without adequateconsideration being given to the potential need to coordinate thefunctions performed by a plurality of implant devices actingindividually. The human body is an integrated entity and there is a needto look at the human body as an environment similar to a home. Thepresent invention teaches novel method for configuring an implantabledevice as a server or to perform the additional functions of a server inaddition to other intended device functions for sensing, measuring andmanaging bodily functions.

In the above hierarchical communication architecture and system theimplant medical device, ID1 is available for two way communication,command and control of information without unduly draining its batterypower which would result from communicating at either a higher powerand/or a different communication protocol. This novel communicationsystem/architecture enables the design of small form factor powerefficient implant devices without having the complexity associated withdual band communication. In this configuration, the EP device thatserves as a bridge between the implant device ID1 and the outsidedevices/world does the bulk of the transmit/receive functions with theadvantage that the battery of the EP device is easily replaceable oralternately the EP device may be discarded when the battery runs out anda replacement EP device used instead.

Additionally, the system and architecture limits the inadvertent ormalicious access via a LAN, WAN and the Internet to a life supportingimplant device; since the level of access to the implant device is gatedand controlled through an intermediate device such as EPD1 and/orthrough CT/MD/MHA 190. Further level of safety and security is providedas one or more of the EPD device, EPD1 and the CT/MD/MHA, 190 may beconfigured for executing biometric authentication using one or more ofvoice, speech, audio, text, hand writing, passwords, user profiles,device profiles, photo, image, video, finger print and retinal scan datarelated to the individual 130.

Additionally one or more other authorized persons may be authenticatedin a similar manner to ensure that only authorized individuals/devicesand networks are able to access an implanted device located within thebody. This novel invention is of paramount importance as the directcommunication and connection of an implanted medical device to theInternet/other unauthorized networks/other unauthorized devices islikely to infect the implant medical device with software viruses andother bugs that impair or disable the functioning of an implantedmedical device with the potential for injury to the health and life ofthe individual. The novel system and architecture of the presentinvention limits the potential for software related infection ofimplanted medical devices/systems via the novel hierarchical accessapproach in conjunction with various types of authentication proceduresused singly or in combination for obtaining access to an implantedmedical device.

Referring now to FIG. 2 in detail, the figure shows an internal view andan external view of the body of an individual 230.

Looking at detail of the internal view of the individual 230 in FIG. 2,the figure further shows an implant device network labeled with thelegend 230-IDN, comprising of a plurality of implanted medical devicesID1, ID2, ID3, ID4, ID5, ID6, ID7 and ID8 that are configured tocommunicate via wired and wireless communication means. Normally thepreferred communication path between one or more of the implanteddevices is intended to be a wireless communication path. However,certain selected implanted devices may be connected by wiredcommunication means located fully internal to the body and partiallyinternal to the body and partially external to the body. Thewired/wireless communication path that connects one or more of theimplanted devices is represented by 250. One or more of the implanteddevices may be configured with an internal built-in server function inaddition to the intended function as an implanted medical device thatperforms a specified medical function. Alternately, ID5 may beconfigured to perform the functions of a server exclusively. Theconnection path 250 may be routed through the server to enable theserver to exclusively communicate with devices/networks outside the bodywherein the implant devices communicate with each other in conjunctionwith the server. Alternately, one or more of the implant devices may beenabled to communicate directly with devices/networks outside the bodyusing one or more of the wired/wireless communication path 250, 260 and270.

The communication path 250, 260 and 270 may utilize common communicationprotocols but are generally intended to be configured for communicationusing different wired/wireless communication protocols. Thewired/wireless communication path 260 is intended to be configured forcommunication between one or more implanted devices/implant devicenetwork 230-IDN and one or more EPD devices EPD1, EPD2, EPD3, EPD4,EPD5, EPD6, EPD7 and EPD8 located/affixed/attached/coupled to the bodyof the same individual 230.

Looking now at detail of the external view of the individual 230 in FIG.2, the figure further shows an EPD device network labeled with thelegend 230-EPN, comprising of a plurality of EPD devices EPD1, EPD2,EPD3, EPD4, EPD5, EPD6, EPD7 and EPD8 that are coupled externally to thebody of the same individual 230; wherein these devices are configured tocommunicate via wired and wireless communication means. Normally thepreferred communication path between one or more of the EPD devices isintended to be a wireless communication path. However, certain selectedEPD devices may be connected by wired communication means. Thewired/wireless communication path that connects one or more of the EPdevices is represented by 240. One or more of the EP devices may beconfigured with an internal built-in server function in addition to theintended function as an EP device that performs a specified medicalfunction. Alternately, EPD5 may be configured to perform the functionsof a server exclusively. The connection path 240 may be routed throughthe server to enable the server to exclusively communicate withdevices/networks on the body wherein the EP devices communicate witheach other in conjunction with the designated server EP5. Alternately,one or more of the EP devices may be enabled to communicate directlywith devices/networks inside of the body using one or more of thewired/wireless communication path 240, 260 and 270.

The communication path 240, 250, 260 and 270 may utilize commoncommunication protocols but are generally intended to be configured forcommunication using different wired/wireless communication protocolsbased on the application. The wired/wireless communication path 260 isintended to be configured for communication between one or moreimplanted devices/implant device network 230-IDN and one or more EPDdevices/EP device network 230-EPN.

Referring to the FIG. 2 once again the individual 230 configured with aplurality of implanted devices, ID1 through ID8 located internal to thebody and a plurality of electronic patch device EPD1 Through EPD8coupled to the body is enabled for seamlessly networking with aCT/MD/MHA 284, the Internet 283, a home network/LAN/WAN 280, a officenetwork/factory network/health care network, 281, a transportationnetwork/public access network 282 and one or more peripheral devicescomprising said networks in a secure manner while optimizing the user'scriteria for power consumption, communication interference and othercriteria. Additionally the system level architecture leverages thecapability of an implant device to be configured to perform thefunctions of a server, of an electronic patch device, EPD to beconfigured to perform the functions of a server and of a mobile deviceto be configured to perform the functions of a server for enhancedcommunication, command and control of one or more devices within andacross the various networks.

Referring now in detail to FIG. 3, the figure shows another additionallayer of a network formed by one or more wearable devices WD1, WD2, WD3,WD4, WD5, WD6, WD7 and WD8. The wearable devices may be configured forcarriage within/on clothing and garments including other variationsthereof that generally include a wearable device to be used as anaccessory. A network formed by said wearable devices is represented by330-WDN wherein the wearable devices such as WD1 through WD8 communicatevia a wired or wireless communication path 345 internal to said wearablenetwork 330-WDN.

The wearable devices may communicate via a wired or wirelesscommunication path 340 for communication with one or more electronicpatch devices EPD1 through EPD8 including the network 330-EPN formed bysaid electronic patch devices/sensors coupled to the body.

The wearable devices may further directly communicate with implanteddevices ID1 through ID8 via the wired or wireless communication path 370or indirectly via the electronic patch devices EPD1 through EPD8 via thewired or wireless communication path 360. The network formed by theimplanted devices ID1 through ID8 is shown by 330-IDN. The wired orwireless communication path between the implanted devices is representedby 350.

The wearable devices WD1 through WD8 may communicate via wired orwireless communication means via the path 370 with a homenetwork/LAN/WAN 380, an office network/factory network/healthcarenetwork 381, a transportation network/public access network 382 and theInternet 383.

The novel system level architecture of the present invention thereforeteaches a method for seamlessly networking a plurality of wearabledevices with each other and further teaches the networking of one ormore wearable devices worn by the individual 330, with other types ofdevices such as electronic patch devices coupled to the individual 330'sbody, implanted devices located internal to the individual 330's body,communication devices such as CT/MD/MHA that areadjacent/proximate/belong to the individual 330 and peripheral devicesthat are remote to the individual 330. The various wired or wirelesscommunication paths described may utilize same or different protocolsfor the selected communication between selected devices forming anetwork or across one or more of the networks.

Additionally, the present invention teaches a novel method forconfiguring a wearable device such as WD5 to solely serve the functionsof a server to enable the network 330-WDN to perform efficiently or in aselected manner. Alternately one or more of the wearable devices WD1through WD8 may additionally be configured with the functionality of aserver in addition to any other desired functionality. The wearabledevices WD1 through WD8 may be configured to perform one or moreselected functions such as measuring/monitoring temperature, windvelocity and other environmental parameters and may also be configuredto sense/measure/monitor bodily parameters related to the individual330. The present invention enables the seamless correlation of one ormore environmental parameters, parameters on the surface of the body andparameters internal to the body thus enhancing the ability of theindividual 330 to control the selected parameters internal or externalto the body in response to a sensed, measured or monitored value in realtime.

For example the presence of extreme cold temperatures in the environmentmay be sensed by a wearable sensor WD1 and communicated to the wearabledevice WD5 that serves the server function such that the wearabledevices WD2, WD3, WD4, WD6, WD7 and WD8 located at different regions ofa garment may regulate the temperature of the garment/clothing in amanner selected by the individual for a desired comfort level at variousanatomical locations of the body. As an example the heat may be providedto selected location within the garment/clothing by a heating mechanismthat is powered by battery. The regulation of the temperature may bedone in conjunction with the sensed body temperature at the surface ofthe body via one or more of the electronic patch devices EP1 through EP8that are coupled to the body. The wearable sensor device WD5 performingthe functions of a server in the wearable sensor/device network 330-WDNmay coordinate with the electronic patch device EPD5 performing thefunctions of a server in the 330 EPN network. Similarly the WD5 and EPD5may coordinate with one or more implant devices such as the ID5performing the functions of a server in the 330-IDN network toregulate/command/control the functions of one or more implant deviceslocated internal to the body. The present invention therefore teaches aseamless method for communication/regulation/command and control ofhuman/mammalian body parameters internal to said body and at said bodyin response to environmental and other factors sensed/measured/monitoredthrough wearable sensors worn by an individual in one or more formsincluding in clothing and garments. For example, pacing of the heart maybe controlled in a desired manner in response to a measured value of oneor more parameters such as temperature, altitude, ambient pressure ofthe environment as measured by a wearable sensor device WD1, a value oftemperature and electro cardiogram information as measured by anelectronic patch sensor device EPD1 such that a pacemaker implanteddevice ID1 regulates the pacing in accordance with a selected pacingprotocol as determined by the individual 330 or a remotephysician/health care professional via wired or wireless communication.

Often the physician requires more than one parameter to be sensed andmeasured for recommending the best course of action for an individualpatient. Therefore there is a need for locating a plurality of sensordevices within the body, on the body or within wearable clothing tosense each parameter in a dedicated manner. However, the need formultiple sensors/devices each performing a single function may beobviated by configuring a single sensor/device that performs multiplefunctions within said unit.

Referring now to FIG. 4 in detail, a sensor device 430 configured with aplurality of inputs 410, a plurality of outputs 415, a multi-channelreceiver 420, a multi-channel transmitter 425, an input interface anddecryption functional block represented by 440, an identification andauthentication functional block represented by 450, a memory functionalblock represented by 460, a web server/server functional blockrepresented by 470, other functional electronics/sensing/measuringmechanism represented by 480 and an output interface and encryptionfunctional block represented by 445 is shown. The figure is forillustration purposes and other configurations and organization of thevarious functional blocks is possible by those knowledgeable in the artand the illustration is not to be construed as limiting.

The illustration of the FIG. 4 is generally applicable for wearabledevices WD1 through WD8; for electronic patch/sensor devices that arecoupled to the body EPD1 through EPD8 and for implantable devices ID1through ID8. Consequently only one figure is shown and is intended tocover the various types of sensors and devices as referred to herein.The present invention described the need for a sensor device/medical tocommunicate utilizing one or more communication protocols to communicateacross the different networks such as 330-WDN, 330-EPN, 330-IDN as shownin FIG. 3 and with a host of proximate and remote devices such asCT/MD/MHA 190 and a remote central server as shown in FIG. 1. In orderfor a wearable device WD1, an electronic patch device EPD1 and animplantable device ID1 to communicate within its own network and outsideof its own network, it would be desirable for each of said devices tohave multi-channel communication capabilities that are appropriate for aselected communication with a selected device within a network andoutside of said network. The present invention teaches wearable devices,electronic sensor devices and implantable devices that havemulti-channel communication capabilities using one or more communicationprotocols. For example, the use of the appropriate protocol by animplantable device conserves power, minimizes interference and enhancessecurity.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a multi function device configuration 530 isillustrated and is generally intended to cover implantable devices ID1,electronic patch/sensor devices EPD1, and wearable devices WD1. Thefigure shows a functional block 510 comprising of a plurality of inputs,a functional block 515 comprising of a plurality of outputs, a multichannel receiver block 520, a multi channel transmitter block 525, aninput interface/decryption block 540, an identification/authenticationblock 550, a memory block 560 wherein the memory may be of differenttypes; a server/web server functional block 570, a functionalelectronics block 580, a function block 590 wherein one or morefunctions may be configured/selected and actuated to sense, measure andmonitor one or more selected parameters and perform one or morefunctions; and an output interface/encryption functional block 545.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in addition to multi-channel communicationcapability, there is a need for one single device such as an implantabledevice to perform more than one function. For example, an implanted pacemaker device that measures cardiac activity and controls cardiacfunction may be enhanced if the same device additionally performs bloodflow measurements within the artery, blood oxygen levels and eventemperature at a given location in the veins. The combination offunctions saves space, eliminates the need for multiple devices and thesurgical procedures for implanting a plethora of devices and provides amethod for obtaining a more comprehensive set of information needed bythe physician to better treat the patient and to correlate specificinformation to prior history of the patient and the population at large.The present invention teaches a multi function implantable device ID1, amulti function electronic patch device EPD1, a multi function wearabledevice WD1 wherein each said device has the capability to communicate onone or more channels utilizing a plurality of communication protocolsthat are appropriate for a selected communication between one or moredevices and across one or more networks comprising of said devices.

There is also a need for generally or selectively utilizing encryptionand decryption in the selected communications to maintain security anddata integrity to ensure that vital statistics and information is noteasily accessible by unauthorized individuals. The present inventioncouples various types of authentication including biometricauthentication such as hand writing, speech/voice recognition, photo,image, finger print, retinal scan and other methods to grant or denyaccess to a particular device such as ID1, EPD1, WD1 and otherperipheral devices and one or more networks comprising said devices toenhance individual/patient safety and security including limitingaccidental or spurious access that could be potentially damaging or lifelimiting.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the figure illustrates a matrix for dynamicconfiguration of new functional networks, 600 comprising definednetworks, 601 and defined devices 602. FIG. 6 further comprises of animplant device network 603 comprising of a plurality of implant devicesID1 through ID8, 604; an electronic patch/sensor device network 605comprising of a plurality of electronic patch/sensor devices EPD1through EPD8, 606; a wearable device network 607 comprising of aplurality of wearable devices WD1 through WD8, 608; and aLAN/WAN/Internet/home network/office network/health care facilitynetwork/transportation network/public access network and other networks609 comprising of a plurality of peripheral devices such as CT/MD/HMA,PHMA, PC/TV, servers, printers and other remote equipment represented by610.

Referring to FIG. 6 in detail for example a new network comprising of animplant device ID3 and ID4; EPD1 and EPD6 and a wearable device WD2 maybe dynamically configured to sense, measure and manage a desired set ofparameters to control a desired set of biological parameters related toan individual. The communication across these selected devices mayutilize one or more selected communication protocols.

Referring once again to FIG. 6 in detail for example another new networkcomprising of an implant device ID3 such as pace maker; EPD1 such as adevice that measures body temperature, EPD3, EPD4, EPD6, EPD7 and EPD8that measure cardiac function and EPD5 which serves as a server and awearable device WD2 that measures ambient temperature and altitude maybe dynamically configured to sense, measure and manage a desired set ofparameters to control a desired set of biological parameters related toan individual. The communication across these selected devices mayutilize one or more selected communication protocols. The dynamicallyconfigurable biological sensor/device networks may comprise of multichannel and multi function devices wherein a single device that performsmultiple functions may be configured to be part of a plurality ofdynamically configured networks. As an example a multi function deviceID1, EPD1, WD1 wherein one function is that of sensing/measuringtemperature may be configured to be part of a temperaturesensing/control network, a first network wherein said first networkutilizes a first communication protocol for communication on a firstinput/output channel of said respective devices; and wherein the samedevices ID1, EPD1 and WD1 measuring cardiac function may be part of asecond dynamically configured network wherein the second networkutilizes a first communication protocol or a second communicationprotocol for communication on a first or second input/output channel ofsaid respective devices. Therefore the present invention teaches novelways to partition the selected functionality of a multi function deviceand enables the dynamic configuration of multi function sensors anddevices around either the selected functionality, the selectedcommunication protocols or other attributes and combinations of saiddevices for dynamic utility. The present invention teaches novel deviceslocated internal/on the body/external to the body wherein said devicesmay be configured to form a plurality of wired and wireless networks forthe acquisition, processing, computation, storage and communication ofinformation. The system of the present invention further enables thecommand and control of said individual devices and the plurality ofnetworks comprising of said devices.

The embodiments herein include a system and method for dynamicallyconfiguring implantable medical devices to form an implantable devicenetwork.

The embodiments herein include a system and method for dynamicallyconfiguring electronic patch sensor devices that are coupled to the bodyto form an electronic patch sensor device network.

The embodiments herein include a system and method for dynamicallyconfiguring wearable devices to form a wearable device network whereinthe wearable devices are worn on the body.

The embodiments herein include a system and method for dynamicallyconfiguring a network of implantable devices, electronic patch sensordevices and wearable devices to form a layered network for seamless andcontinuous monitoring of human body parameters.

The embodiments herein include a system and method for dynamicallyconfiguring a network of implantable devices, electronic patch sensordevices, wearable devices and remote devices to form a layered networkfor seamless monitoring of human body parameters including thecommunication of one or more human body parameters to a remotedevice/network for measurement, monitoring, archival and for command andcontrol.

The embodiments herein include a system wherein the individualdevice/sensor is uniquely addressable for safe, secure and intendedcommunication with a selected level of device/user authenticationincluding biometric authentication.

The embodiments herein include a system wherein a network formed byselected devices/sensors is uniquely addressable for safe, secure andintended communication with a selected level of device/userauthentication including biometric authentication.

The embodiments herein include a system for dynamically forming one ormore new networks by selecting one or more individual/groups ofdevices/sensors from one or more other defined networks wherein the newnetwork is configured for a defined functional task and/or a definedutility at a selected time and for a selected duration.

Aspects of the embodiments described herein may be implemented asfunctionality programmed into any of a variety of circuitry, includingprogrammable logic devices (PLDs), such as field programmable gatearrays (FPGAs), programmable array logic (PAL) devices, electricallyprogrammable logic and memory devices and standard cell-based devices,as well as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Some otherpossibilities for implementing aspects of the embodiments include:microcontrollers with memory (such as electronically erasableprogrammable read only memory (EEPROM)), embedded microprocessors,firmware, software, etc. Furthermore, aspects of the embodiments may beembodied in microprocessors having software-based circuit emulation,discrete logic (sequential and combinatorial), custom devices, fuzzy(neural) logic, quantum devices, and hybrids of any of the above devicetypes. Of course the underlying device technologies may be provided in avariety of component types, e.g., metal-oxide semiconductor field-effecttransistor (MOSFET) technologies like complementary metal-oxidesemiconductor (CMOS), bipolar technologies like emitter-coupled logic(ECL), polymer technologies (e.g., silicon-conjugated polymer andmetal-conjugated polymer-metal structures), mixed analog and digital,etc.

It should be noted that any system, method, and/or other componentsdisclosed herein may be described using computer aided design tools andexpressed (or represented), as data and/or instructions embodied invarious computer-readable media, in terms of their behavioral, registertransfer, logic component, transistor, layout geometries, and/or othercharacteristics. Computer-readable media in which such formatted dataand/or instructions may be embodied include, but are not limited to,non-volatile storage media in various forms (e.g., optical, magnetic orsemiconductor storage media) and carrier waves that may be used totransfer such formatted data and/or instructions through wireless,optical, or wired signaling media or any combination thereof. Examplesof transfers of such formatted data and/or instructions by carrier wavesinclude, but are not limited to, transfers (uploads, downloads, e-mail,etc.) over the Internet and/or other computer networks via one or moredata transfer protocols (e.g., HTTP, FTP, SMTP, etc.). When receivedwithin a computer system via one or more computer-readable media, suchdata and/or instruction-based expressions of the above describedcomponents may be processed by a processing entity (e.g., one or moreprocessors) within the computer system in conjunction with execution ofone or more other computer programs.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of “including,but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number alsoinclude the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, thewords “herein,” “hereunder,” “above,” “below,” and words of similarimport, when used in this application, refer to this application as awhole and not to any particular portions of this application. When theword “or” is used in reference to a list of two or more items, that wordcovers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of theitems in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination ofthe items in the list.

The above description of embodiments is not intended to be exhaustive orto limit the systems and methods to the precise forms disclosed. Whilespecific embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrativepurposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scopeof the systems and methods, as those skilled in the relevant art willrecognize. The teachings of the embodiments provided herein can beapplied to other systems and methods, not only for the systems andmethods described above.

The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can becombined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can bemade to the embodiments in light of the above detailed description.

In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not beconstrued to limit the embodiments to the specific embodiments disclosedin the specification and the claims, but should be construed to includeall systems that operate under the claims. Accordingly, the embodimentsare not limited by the disclosure, but instead the scope of theembodiments is to be determined entirely by the claims.

While certain aspects of the embodiments are presented below in certainclaim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of theembodiments in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventorsreserve the right to add additional claims after filing the applicationto pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of theembodiments.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and it should be understoodthat many modifications and variations are possible in light of theabove teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order tobest explain the principles of the invention and its practicalapplication, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilizethe invention and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scopeof the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and theirequivalents.

1. A system comprising: a first medical device configured forimplantation in a body, wherein the first medical device includes afirst processor that is dynamically configurable; a second medicaldevice configured for implantation in the body, wherein the secondmedical device includes a second processor that is dynamicallyconfigurable; and a coupling between the first medical device and thesecond medical device, the coupling forming a network including thefirst medical device and the second medical device.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the first medical device and the second medical deviceare configured to perform continuous monitoring of human bodyparameters.
 3. The system of claim 2, comprising at least one remotedevice, wherein the remote device is configured to receive the humanbody parameters, wherein the remote device is configured to process,measure, monitor, and/or archive the human body parameters.
 4. Thesystem of claim 3, wherein the remote device is a component of a remotenetwork.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first medical device, thesecond medical device and the network are uniquely addressable for safe,secure and intended communication with a selected level of device/userauthentication including biometric authentication.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein one or more of the first medical device, the secondmedical device and the network are uniquely and separately configuredfor a functional task and/or a defined utility at a selected time andfor a selected duration.
 7. A system comprising: a first sensorconfigured for attachment to a body, wherein the first sensor includes afirst processor that is dynamically configurable; a second sensorconfigured for attachment to the body, wherein the second sensorincludes a second processor that is dynamically configurable; and acoupling between the first sensor and the second sensor, the couplingforming a sensor network including the first sensor and the secondsensor.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first sensor and thesecond sensor are configured to perform continuous monitoring of bodyparameters.
 9. The system of claim 8, comprising at least one remotedevice, wherein the remote device is configured to receive the bodyparameters, wherein the remote device is configured to process, measure,monitor, and/or archive the human body parameters.
 10. The system ofclaim 9, wherein the remote device is a component of a remote network.11. The system of claim 7, wherein the first sensor, the second sensorand the network are uniquely addressable for safe, secure and intendedcommunication with a selected level of device/user authenticationincluding biometric authentication.
 12. The system of claim 7, whereinone or more of the first sensor, the second sensor and the network areuniquely and separately configured for a functional task and/or adefined utility at a selected time and for a selected duration.
 13. Amethod comprising: dynamically configuring a first medical device,wherein the first medical device includes a first processor; dynamicallyconfiguring a second medical device, wherein the second medical deviceincludes a second processor; and forming a network including the firstmedical device and the second medical device, the network comprising acoupling between the first medical device and the second medical device.14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first medical device is at leastone device selected from a group consisting of implantable devicesconfigured to be implanted in the body, sensor devices configured forattachment to the body, and medical devices configured for wear on thebody, wherein the second medical device is at least one device selectedfrom a group consisting of implantable devices configured to beimplanted in the body, sensor devices configured for attachment to thebody, and medical devices configured for wear on the body.
 15. Themethod of claim 13, comprising configuring the first medical device andthe second medical device to perform continuous monitoring of human bodyparameters.
 16. The system of claim 15, forming the network to includeat least one remote device, wherein the remote device is configured toreceive the human body parameters, wherein the remote device isconfigured to process, measure, monitor, and/or archive the human bodyparameters.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the remote device is acomponent of a remote network.
 18. The system of claim 13, wherein thefirst medical device, the second medical device and the network areuniquely addressable for safe, secure and intended communication with aselected level of device/user authentication including biometricauthentication.
 19. The system of claim 13, comprising uniquely andseparately configuring one or more of the first medical device, thesecond medical device and the network for a functional task and/or adefined utility at a selected time and for a selected duration.